Canelo Alvarez makes history in win over Miguel Cotto

That’s the feat that Canelo Alvarez earned after outpointing Miguel Cotto over 12 rounds at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

It wasn’t a “fight of the year” type of fight. But what it was is a competitive matchup between two highly-skilled boxers.

The contrast between the two fighters was evident from the beginning of the fight.

Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KO) was clearly the bigger fighter and that strength is what won him the fight.

Cotto’s (40-5, 33 KO) strategy to box was clear from the outset and it was successful in the early rounds. But as the fight went on, Canelo seemed to be content with taking Cotto’s light jabs in order to land shots of his own.

Canelo’s power punches began to take their toll on Cotto as he found himself just trying to escape harm’s way for most of the second half of the fight.

While Alvarez never really had Cotto near the point of getting knocked down, he did manage to bruise up his face pretty well.

Round eight was the best round of the night by far. Both men began the round by trading shots, which brought the crowd in Vegas to its feet. Cotto was trying to stick and move, but his legs weren’t fast enough as he was met with punishing blows from his younger foe.

The fight was still close in the eyes of many who were ringside heading into the 12th. I had Alvarez up 6-5 heading into the final.

Perhaps Alvarez’s corner told him it was close, because the Mexican fighter came out blazing. He trapped Cotto against the ropes and ripped away at Cotto’s body and head. Cotto would survive but the round was a clear win for Canelo.

In the end Alvarez didn’t even need the final round.

Wide scores of 117-111, 118-110 and 119-110 were announced in favor of Alvarez as he captured the WBC middleweight title.

“Much respect to Miguel Cotto, but this is my era now,” Alvarez said after his victory.

When asked about a potential showdown with WBC interim middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin. Alvarez left no questions about whether or not he’s willing to fight the middleweight monster.

“If he wants I’ll put the gloves on again and we can fight right now.”